It’s Senior Year, back-to-school time. It’s also without a doubt, a complex and multi-layered time. Going back to school isn’t as much the issue as is that it’s the final year of high school, and what’s next is a big unknown that brings with it a mix of excitement and nerves as you prepare for the next chapter in life. It’s a big year for you and your senior.
As your kids embark on this journey, they will encounter a wide array of to-do’s, tasks, and college applications to complete. It’s not just about academics; it’s also an emotional roller coaster. For them it’s their last year–they’re almost done. That makes it exciting and a little nerve-wracking to be honest. For both of you. It is an emotional time for us parents because we will be saying goodbye to our kids, their friends who have lived at our houses a lot of the time, and the every-day routines we’ve had for years. However, we aren’t there yet–before we say goodbye we have to make it through standardized tests; writing all about our kid so their high school counselor has something to say about him, the whole college application process, and even prom. It’s a lot.
Somehow in the middle of all this angst and activity, we need to find a way to reduce our stress levels–and that’s no easy feat this year. While there are oodles of things to do (hello, did the test scores get sent with the application?), and things not to do (panic), there are a few truths you may have to accept and some behaviors you can totally boot to the curb. This is the year we have to morph a bit from parent to mentor, from being the heavy hand to a guiding hand. So here are a few secrets on what’s to come and how to make the year more harmonious for all of you.
Senior Year Is Expensive
Your credit card will get quite the workout this year.The opportunities to spend money are endless – senior pictures, parking passes, senior rings, bricks, trips, prom, beach days and graduation gifts! Mix in the cost of all those college applications and you end up with a lot of extra expenses. Don’t forget about scholarships, and don’t feel you have to do it all. They won’t even remember half of it. And try not to stress about that money too much because, you know, next year. (yikes!).
Applications Suck
No matter how much we are told to enjoy the process and make it fun, it is stressful–for all of us. It is a time of endless deadlines our kids need to meet. They are juggling finding the right school, participating in sports, showing leadership, asking teachers for recommendations, and scrambling to get it all done. It’s just painful. Obviously, our kids are doing most of the work, but in all honesty, we parents will actively participate as naggers, proofreaders, project managers, and, most definitely, bankers.
Step Away from the Comparison Train!
Take a step back. Don’t worry about everyone else’s kids. What they are doing and where they are applying don’t matter, and the comparisons and competition is brutal enough at school. Do we really want to teach them to “keep up with the Joneses”, this young? Believe me, they will be comparing and contrasting with each other, so as a parent, let it go, let it go, let it go! I really believe our kids will all end up right where they are supposed to. They will find their place and their tribe. Let it be theirs.
Try to Stay in the Present
This is a strange year because it’s all about the future. A future away and separate from you. My son and daughter spent a lot of time researching colleges, thinking about what kind of campus they would be on, and seeing countless images of dorm rooms and how to decorate them. Believe me, when they do they are also imagining themselves in those rooms and on those campuses. So try to relax about college–or seem relaxed. Instead, enjoy the now. I went to more soccer and tennis matches to see my kids play and to see all of their friends play. Next year you won’t be able to as easily. That leads me to the next thing.
Stop Asking
Stop asking your child and stop asking every other senior you see where they are applying. Don’t ask where they want to go. Don’t ask if they have finished applying or how they did on the ACT or SAT (which is mostly optional right now). You’re more likely to enjoy some happy times if you stop bringing college up. While they want to go, they are anxious about where they will get in and they are a little unnerved that they will be on their own. Enjoy them for now. It will lead to less slamming doors and rolling eyes; trust me.
Senioritis Is a Thing
Let’s talk about senioritis. By the end of senior year, my kids were pretty much over it. So yes, senioritis is a thing. What does that look like? Like a definite lack of motivation. They don’t want to work, clean up or even talk–sometimes just getting more than a grunt out of them is a miracle. Honestly, I don’t really blame them. Let go, loosen the leash a little because next year you won’t be holding one at all. Let them make their choices– good or bad. Give them–and yourself a break because a lot of change is coming. In many ways changes have–and rightly so– started already.
Maybe you’ll see your kid less as they get closer to leaving. They may be out more. This is your teen’s last year living at home, so try to remember that their time with friends is really important. On the other hand, they may be in their room (with headphones on) more. They want privacy and time to chill–time to not stress about all the stuff they have to do. Most likely, they will be talking less–at least to you. You may be sad about that–and kind of miss them even when they are still here. But that won’t last…you will definitely have times you want to pack for them and push them out! I remember my neighbor saying this was God’s way of making the split easier–that it’s part of their transition to living independently. Because once they are in college, family life changes. We lose that daily interaction. We won’t really know what they are learning, who their friends are and if they are eating right. Hell, we won’t even know their grades!
Still, the short texts, the snapchats and the happy face shining through Zoom calls make it all worth it. And don’t worry, they will be back. Many, many times.
DANA BAKER-WILLIAMS
If you’re going to thrive in today’s crazy world, I believe you need to bring your whole self to the table: your personality, your sense of humor, and most importantly, your heart. All of these elements brought me to start Parenting In Real Life, my parent and teen coaching.
I’m a mom of two amazing kids, one of whom has struggled with ADHD, anxiety and depression. Watching this as a parent can be heartbreaking and feels singular. I had nowhere to turn and i was totally overwhelmed. When we finally put the pieces together and got our daughter some help, everything changed for her. But I still didn’t have someone who could teach me how to parent more effectively. It was trial and error on the emotional dysregulation, the panic attacks, and the lack of executive functioning. There was no handbook.
I vowed then that other parents should NOT have to be that scared, overwhelmed, and alone. And kids and teens shouldn’t feel alone, stupid, disconnected or “less than”. Now I am in the position to help parents and teens alike. I help other 2e families find calm in the chaos, connect with their kids, and bring peace and joy back into the family dynamic. I give parents the tools and support they need to communicate and parent more effectively. Simple shifts and techniques will allow you to parent with confidence and handle the challenges with grace and set your kids up for success with life skills, resilience, and self-advocacy.
Bring the joy back in your family, book a call now. https://www.parentinginreallife.org/bookings-checkout/book-a-free-consult/book
